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Shaquana: “I wanted to make my momma proud.”

Like many students, Shaquana had fun in traditional high school, but couldn’t focus on academics there. She dropped out after 9th grade and came to Achievement Academy one year later.

“I just wanted to get my education,” Shaquana says. “I wanted to do something with my life, make my momma proud.”

When she first started at AAD, she was quiet. She didn’t know anyone, and she was still nervous about going back to school. But as time passed, she began to open up.

“I grew here and got to know people,” Shaquana says. “We do cool activities, which is fun.” Her favorite activity was the field trip to the Durham Bulls Stadium. She also likes getting out in the early afternoon and having flexible hours, which allows her to spend more time with family and friends.

Initially, Shaquana struggled to make it past her Starting Points classes. She was eager to get to GED level and start earning her degree. But her tutors helped her stay focused and make it over the hump. They, along with her family and friends, encourage her to never give up.

Shaquana plans to go to community college then transfer to a 4-year university, maybe North Carolina Central. She would like to go to medical school to become a pediatrician.